US Aid to Pak not a Threat to Zardari Govt: Crowley

Lalit K Jha/ Washington Oct 08, 2009
Amid "serious concerns" expressed by the Pakistani Army against the USD 7.5 billion American non-military aid, the Obama Administration has said the assistance is 'not a threat' to the Zardari government."I don't think it is a threat to to the civilian government in Pakistan," Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs told reporters when asked about the differences that has emerged between the army and the Zardari Government on the Kerry-Lugar Bill.The Bill which triples non-military aid to Pakistan to USD 7.5 billion in the next five years and imposes conditions for military assistance is being opposed by the Pakistani Army, while the Zardari Government is saying that this shows the long term commitment of the US towards the people of Pakistan."Is there concern that this very vocal opposition to what Zardari's government wants to do, which is to accept this aid, could be a real threat to his continued rule there?" Crowley was asked, to which he said he does not believe so."The forum expressed serious concern regarding clauses impacting on national security," the Pakistani Army said in a statement yesterday after the meeting of the Corps Commanders in Islamabad.The Pakistani Army also said it was providing the government, which supports the Kerry-Lugar bill, with "formal input" in what could set the stage for their possible face-off."We are working very diligently, very closely with the Pakistani government. That's why the Secretary (of State) and the (Pakistani) Foreign Minister met yesterday. It's why the Secretary and President (Asif Ali) Zardari met in New York," Crowley said.Asserting that the Obama Administration is committed to help Pakistan, he, however, said the US would not impose its will or dictate things to Islamabad. "We are committed to work closely with Pakistan. We are not going to impose US solutions on Pakistani problems."Crowley said next week a US-team led by David Goldwyn will be going to Pakistan to discuss with them its energy requirements, how US can perhaps work with Pakistan to extend electricity, for example, to more parts of the country."All this is part of the long-term commitment that the United States has to Pakistan, to Afghanistan," he said.Though the Pakistani Generals did not spell out their concerns yesterday in Islamabad, Dawn newspaper quoting military sources said the Army viewed as "highly intrusive" the condition that US Secretary of State is required to provide certification that armed forces are not subverting Pakistan's political and judicial processes.The assessment by the Secretary of State to be made every six months also includes to verify whether US aid is being diverted "directly or indirectly" to expand Pakistan's nuclear weapons programme.
FILED IN: Pak-US
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